US: 9 Killed, over 30 Injured as Fire Breaks Out at Elderly Care Facility
- Several people were killed and others injured after a tragic fire broke out at an assisted living facility in the US, prompting a swift response from authorities
- Local leaders provided updates on the condition of the victims, including firefighters, and gave early insights into the possible cause of the deaths
- One elderly woman who survived the tragedy soberly recounted the firefighters’ efforts to rescue her and described the terrifying moments during the incident
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
United States: A devastating nighttime fire tore through an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Sunday, July 13, leaving nine people dead and more than 30 others injured.
Source: Twitter
Emergency responders rushed to the Gabriel House after receiving reports of a fire at the three-storey building.
What happened during the Fall River fire?
Upon arrival, they encountered a harrowing scene—residents trapped inside, with some hanging from windows and pleading for help as thick smoke filled the structure.
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"This was an unspeakable tragedy," said Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, who led the rescue operation, according to the BBC report.
He described the blaze as fast-moving and heavily smoky, noting that at least a dozen residents were pulled to safety using ladders, and many others were rescued by breaking down doors or through narrow windows.
Several wheelchair users had to be carried out by firefighters and police officers.
One person remains in critical condition, while over 30 residents were hospitalised. Five firefighters sustained injuries during the rescue, but have since been released.
A video shared on X captured a firefighter carrying a resident down a ladder, highlighting the urgency and danger faced by rescue teams.
Mayor Paul Coogan said that although the building had a working sprinkler system, the fire, contained to one wing, produced dense smoke that spread rapidly throughout the facility, endangering all three floors.
“Smoke kills more people than fire does every day in America,” Coogan said. “The lesson here is: always take smoke detectors seriously and react quickly. Smoke is a very deadly force.”
What did the Gabriel House fire survivor say?
An estimated 70 residents were in the facility at the time the fire broke out.
Survivor Lorraine Ferrara recounted her terrifying escape in an interview with WCVB-TV:
"It was horrendous smoke. I couldn’t breathe. They brought a ladder up, broke the window, and carried me down. Thank God I didn’t perish. I thought I was dead. I really thought I was going to meet my maker. I’m so thankful to be alive.”
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences, calling the incident a 'tragedy.'
“My heart goes out to those waking up to the most horrific news imaginable. I’m grateful for the heroic efforts of our firefighters and first responders. A full investigation is underway, and the state stands ready to assist in any way possible.”
Source: Twitter
Why was Lari Boys High School closed?
Elsewhere, Lari Boys High School was closed indefinitely after students allegedly set key buildings on fire after they were allegedly denied access to some musical instruments.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday, July 12, destroyed the administration block, classrooms, science department, and library, leaving only the dormitories intact.
No injuries were reported, but the destruction of vital learning facilities has alarmed parents.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
